News Avionics
Garmin introduces new radios

Garmin International on January 29, 2024, revealed the new GTR 205 and GNC 215 slimline radios. The GTR 205 is a COMM only radio, while the GNC 215 includes a Nav/Comm.

The two new radios feature a slim 1.35 inch bezel height from factor with easy to read full colour LCD display, intuitive user interface and worldwide frequency database. Carl Wolf, Garmin Vice President of Aviation Sales and Marketing reports: “the GTR 205 and GNC 215 products show Garmin’s commitment to offering attractive and affordable ground-based navigation and communication options while continuing to provide world-class, modern capabilities. We are excited to offer these new solutions for our general aviation customers as we keep our entire product line fresh.”

Designed for both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, the GTR 205 and GNC 215 are versatile radios that can serve in a variety of aircraft types and panel installations. The 1.35-inch height form factor matches previous-generation SL30 and SL40 radios, enabling easier upgrades and creating more room in space constrained panels. Pilot-selectable 25 kHz or 8.33 kHz channel spacing provides global capability. Both radios feature a sunlight-readable colour LCD display, indicating the currently tuned active and standby frequencies, as well as their station ID – such as “KOJC TWR” or “KSLE ATIS”1. The vibrant display as well as the dual concentric knob and backlit keys mimic those found on other modern Garmin avionics products, providing an intuitive user interface and simplifying product operation.

The GTR 205 and GNC 215 have received the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Technical Standard Order (TSO) authorization and will be available in March through the Garmin Authorized Dealer network. The GTR 205 COMM radio has a suggested retail price starting at $2,695 and the GNC 215 NAV/COMM radio is available starting at $5,295.

On February 13, 2024, Garmin announced that it received FAA Supplemental Type Certification (STC) approval of their GFC 500 digital autopilot for Beechcraft A35 and B35 aircraft (Bonanzas). The GFC 500 digital autopilot is intended for light piston aircraft while delivering superior in-flight characteristics, self-monitoring capabilities and minimal maintenance requirements when compared to older generation autopilot systems.

The GFC 500 autopilot integrates with Garmin’s GI 275 or G5 electronic flight instruments, as well as a combination of either a standby GI 275 or G5 electronic flight instrument interfaced to a G500 TXi flight display, or a G3X Touch flight display. The autopilot mode controller features large, dedicated keys and knobs, as well as a control wheel that allows for easy adjustment to aircraft pitch, airspeed and vertical speed, as well as a Level Mode (LVL) that returns the aircraft to straight-and-level flight with the push of a dedicated button. In addition, GFC 500-equipped aircraft can take advantage of Garmin Smart Glide, a safety-enhancing tool that helps pilots in an engine power loss event by automating certain tasks and helping to reduce pilot workload.

Garmin continues to add aircraft models to the growing STC list for the GFC 500 autopilot. To view the most up-to-date aircraft STC list along with certifications that are expected to begin in the next 12-months, or to express interest in a specific aircraft make/model, visit www.garmin.com/GFC500.